Best Nature Centers for Kids Around Chicago

Shila:  Sand Ridge features hiking for all levels, and each trail passes through a number of habitats from prairie to ancient sand dunes. Walk as a family, or during public discovery excursions available daily. The nature center itself houses a few live reptiles, fish and birds, as well as a Kid’s Corner with hands-on activities. Outside, kids can stroll through some interpretive gardens, including one colorful butterfly garden. Stay tuned to the year round calendar for fun events that celebrate Illinois Archaeology Day, Earth Day, and Settlers’ Day on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Shila:  Eden Place Nature Center is a designated Illinois Monarch Habitat. Youth can observe butterflies and there are special leadership programs to actually participate in the Monarch Propagation Program where Monarchs are tracked with a low-fi sticker tracking system. Kids can learn about the migration journey here, as well as go on a nature walk!

Kristy Pepping:  This is a great museum to explore any time of year, with plenty of indoor conservation-based exhibits to complement the beautiful outdoor sanctuary. Kids especially love the bright and warm Butterfly Haven, interactive RiverWorks water play area and indoor playground.

Erin P.:  Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre non-profit park that features woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake. Adventure seekers can rent canoes or kayaks, or those who prefer dry land might enjoy hiking, jogging or walking along the lake. Their nature center includes reptiles and other animals, as well as books and exhibits for kids. It offers the opportunity for hands-on learning and also hosts several kid-friendly nature programs throughout the year. There is also a children's play area in the Children's Forest.

Shila:  Located on the North Side of the city, the 46-acre nature preserve offers trails and the education center houses a discovery room with hands-on natural objects and displays. This spot is often referred to as a hidden gem, given its oasis ponds and quiet trails that wind through prairie and woodland.

Shila:  Skokie Park District's Emily Oaks Nature Center has a 3-acre pond, native wildflowers, trails, resident Great Blue Herons, Cooper's Hawks, a playground, and more scenic beauty for families to relax in. The indoor nature center offers classes, a nature-based preschool, and the interactive Woodland Wander Inn with books and some games. You can sign up for unique activities, like snowshoeing, campfire rentals, canoeing, Woodland Bingo, survival skills (using a compass, knot tying, pocket knives, fire building) and more.

Shila:  Once a fruit orchard in 1906, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center now features the historic schoolhouse. Its modern visitor center houses some live critters and a children’s activity room with nature-themed toys. During spring visitors can enjoy pear, apple and plum blossoms. All-ages family events occur very frequently here, see their calendar to enjoy activities like yoga in the woods, nature baby times, evening stargazing, and more.

Admission is always free at the Trailside Museum of Natural History, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Housed inside an 1870's mansion and set in a tranquil forest preserve alongside the Des Plaines River, the museum is a local family favorite. Children will love visiting the live animal exhibits (turtles, owls, etc), nature displays and play areas, and exploring the hiking trails surrounding the museum. The museum also regularly hosts story times and other free family friendly programming.

Shila:  Sagawau Environmental Learning Center is home to Cook County's only canyon and includes exhibits on geology, history and habitat management. Free guided canyon tours are frequently on the schedule, as well as other events and activities like Fossil Quarry Tours (1 mile hike to an ancient coral reef), Prairie Tours, and Ecological Restoration Days to put on some gloves and help remove invasive plants.

In winter, Sagawau becomes popular for cross country skiing with rentals, lessons, and groomed ski trails.

Gina I.:  The Chicago Botanic Garden features walkable gardens and natural areas on 385 acres! Beautiful in every season, it's the perfect place to stroll around and spend the day.

Shila:  Fullersburg Woods has few unique features. The nature center displays a 13,000-year-old skeleton of a woolly mammoth. And at the southern end of the forest preserve, lays Graue Mill and Museum, an authenticated Underground Railroad “station” and the only operating waterwheel gristmill in Illinois. Nature lovers enjoy taking walks, riding bikes, cross country skiing, tracking wildlife and more. There are many nature programs to sign up for, including a well-regarded kids nature summer camp.

Shila:  Park Ridge Park District's Wildwood Nature Center is the first stop before enjoying its 5-acre nature haven outdoors. There are two ponds to relax by year round, as well as a butterfly garden, rain garden and fishing. Kids can hang out inside at the Nature Nook, which is an educational area fit with books and puzzles. Every month, there are fun events here to promote a different nature-based topic. There are also over 35 animals at the Nature Center. Every week, twice a week, twice a day is Animal feeding time! Enjoy a quick, family friendly presentation and critter meet-and-greet.

Shila:  Glenview Park District's The Grove is a walkable outdoor history museum. The newly renovated Interpretive Center serves a showcase for local history and nature, and as an educational programming space. At the Interpretive Center, you can explore the large animal tanks and the exciting new Turtle Island habitat, discover new exhibits that let you follow in the footsteps of Illinois naturalist Robert Kennicott, meet a full-size prehistoric relative of the modern-day sloth, and so much more!

Shila:  River Trail visitors experience nature by walking on easy trails through sugar maple woods. Young kids may also enjoy River Trail’s small, indoor nature discovery area, where they can climb in an eagle nest, crawl in a fox den, or create their own puppet show. Fun family events and recurring programming include: nature story times and crafts for toddlers (Small Serendipity), Bird Walks, GPS Scavenger Hunts, seasonal festivals and more.

The Park District of Highland Park's Heller Nature Center resides within a 97-acre nature preserve with 3 miles of trails. It has a small play-exploration area indoors, as well as a larger nature playscape, Wander Woods, out back. There's a fort, water play station, a tee pee and plenty of space to pick up sticks and explore! Some unique public programming for families include: storywalks, renting cross country skis, archery, family campfires, stargazing, and beekeeping demonstrations with samples of fresh honey!